MOGADISHU, Somalia — Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), arrived in Mogadishu on Monday, marking a significant diplomatic visit to foster regional cooperation.
At Adan Adde International Airport, he was greeted with a warm reception by Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed MoFiqi.
Dr. Gebeyehu, who served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2016 to 2019, is known for his extensive background in regional politics and development, having also held the position of Minister of Transport before his current role at IGAD. His visit to Somalia comes at a time when the Horn of Africa region faces numerous challenges, including security, economic development, and political stability.
The reception at the airport was marked by traditional Somali hospitality, with Minister MoFiqi expressing Somalia’s commitment to strengthening ties with IGAD and its member states. “We welcome Dr. Gebeyehu to discuss critical issues that affect our region, including peace, security, and economic development,” Minister MoFiqi stated during a brief press conference at the airport.
Dr. Gebeyehu’s delegation included high-ranking officials from IGAD, signaling the importance of the visit in the context of ongoing regional dialogues. The agenda for his visit includes meetings with Somali government officials, discussions on the implementation of IGAD initiatives in Somalia, and addressing the recent tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial port deal with Somaliland.
This visit is particularly timely given the recent diplomatic row sparked by Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a violation of its sovereignty. Dr. Gebeyehu, who has previously expressed IGAD’s deep concern over the situation, is expected to play a mediating role, advocating for peaceful dialogue and resolution.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been actively seeking regional support against the deal, with his government recalling its ambassador from Ethiopia for consultations. The presence of Dr. Gebeyehu in Mogadishu could pave the way for a more structured dialogue under the IGAD framework, aiming to de-escalate tensions and promote regional stability.
The visit also underscores IGAD’s commitment to its mandate of promoting peace, security, and economic development in the Horn of Africa. With Somalia facing internal challenges like security threats from Al-Shabaab and economic recovery, Dr. Gebeyehu’s engagement could lead to enhanced cooperation and support from the broader IGAD community.
As Dr. Gebeyehu’s visit unfolds, all eyes are on the outcomes of his discussions with Somali leaders, hoping for advancements in regional diplomacy that could set a precedent for conflict resolution in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
